Business Analyst

Lucy Group; Sowerby Bridge; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucy Group is seeking a detail-oriented Business Analyst to join the finance team. The role focuses on analyzing costs, preparing financial reports, and supporting budgeting to ensure efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing costs.

The candidate will work with production, procurement and finance teams, maintain cost accounting systems and standard costing in D365 ERP, and assist with month-end and year-end activities to improve financial performance.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong knowledge and experience in D365 ERP.
• CIMA or ACCA qualifications are desirable but not essential.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and cost accounting experience.
• Strong analytical, modeling and data presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse production costs and prepare detailed reports to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor and control manufacturing expenses, ensuring adherence to budgets.
• Assist in development and maintenance of cost accounting systems and procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and train users of internal information systems such as D365 ERP Finance & Operations.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and finance teams to gather data.
• Oversee and update bills of materials and cost drivers with operations and procurement teams.
• Prepare cost statements, variance analyses, and financial forecasts.
• Support month-end and year-end budgeting processes in standard costing and related processes.
• Derive, process and implement standard costing methods in D365.

Skills

Excel

D365 ERP

Cost accounting

Analytical skills

Data presentation

Tools

D365 ERP Finance & Operations

Job description

Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Business Analyst with strong IT skills to join our finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for analysing and controlling costs, preparing financial reports, and supporting budgeting processes to ensure financial efficiency and accuracy. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong background in cost management and accounting principles to contribute to our organisation’s financial health.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse production costs and prepare detailed reports to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Monitor and control manufacturing expenses, ensuring adherence to budgets.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of cost accounting systems and procedures.
• Develop, maintain, improve and train users of relevant internal information technology systems particularly D365 ERP Finance & Operations.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and finance teams to gather relevant data.
• Work with operations, engineering and procurement teams to overview and update bills of materials and production cost drivers.
• Prepare accurate cost statements, variance analysis, and financial forecasts.
• Prepare and support month-end activities related to cost accounting.
• Prepare and support year end budgeting process in standard costing and related processes
• To be responsible for deriving, processing and implementing standard costing methods in D365.
• Standard cost management: calculate, establish and annually update standard costs for direct materials, direct labour, and manufacturing overheads.
• Prepare, calculate and reconcile “margin invoice line” report
• Inventory control: reconcile monthly inventory balances, evaluate slow-moving stock.
• To provide cover for Head of Finance, Financial Controller and Credit Controller during absences.
• To perform reconciliation of all accounts under control.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations regarding financial reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the finance department.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong knowledge and relevant experience in D365.
• Relevant professional qualifications such as CIMA or ACCA are desirable but not essential.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, experience in cost accounting or a similar financial role.
• Strong analytical, modelling and data presentation skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Team player, showing flexibility and able to handle pressure.

This position offers a rewarding environment for professionals eager to develop their expertise in cost management within a dynamic organisation committed to excellence.